Los Angeles – David Mariner

Governor Newsom Signs Legislation Strengthening Protections for LGBTQ+ Californians

May 17, 2024October 2, 2022 by Guest Columnist

Equality California Press Release

SACRAMENTO —  Governor Newsom signed SB 107, legislation co-sponsored by Equality California and Planned Parenthood on gender affirming health care, today. In addition, Governor Newsom signed the following Equality California sponsored bills, SB 923 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Gender-affirming care, AB 1041 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) – Leave for Chosen Families, AB 2417 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) – Juveniles: Youth Bill of Rights and SB 1194 by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) – All Gender Public Restrooms.

“While small minded men like Greg Abbot and Ron Desantis attack trans children and their families, Governor Newsom ensures that they are protected and receive the necessary life saving health care they need. SB 107 officially makes California a state of refuge for trans kids and their families,” said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. “SB 107 will continue California’s legacy of leadership in protecting and advancing the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ communities in a time when we cannot take our rights and protections for granted.”

“Extreme politicians across the country are openly attacking trans youth and their families like never before, but thanks to today’s action by Governor Newsom and the leadership by Senator Scott Weiner, SB 107 provides reassurance that California will be a place where people can get the care they need,” said Jodi Hicks, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. “We stand in solidarity with our friends and colleagues at EQCA and LGBTQ+ communities across the country. California Planned Parenthood health centers are committed to providing care, including gender-affirming care and LBGTQ+ services, to all who come through their doors – regardless of where they call home.”

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Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org

Los Angeles Gay Bars, Restaurants, and Clubs

August 28, 2021August 28, 2021 by David Mariner

Eagle LA
Long-standing gay hot spot caters to a leather-wearing crowd, with cheap beer nights & DJs.
eaglela.com

Akbar
Lively, gay-friendly bar with an unpretentious vibe, tiny dance floor & well-stocked jukebox.
www.akbarsilverlake.com

The Abbey Food & Bar
Cocktails & shared plates are served at this lively gay lounge with outdoor terraces & dance floor.
www.theabbeyweho.com

Redline
Bumping gay bar & pub serves up classic bar bites plus a DJ spinning tunes in a large space.
www.redlinedtla.com

Precinct
Spacious, brick-lined gay bar with lively events, cocktails & a small menu of American grub.
www.precinctdtla.com

Micky’s West Hollywood
Hopping, 2-story gay nightclub with a lounge, dance floor & patio. Open late Friday & Saturday.
www.mickys.com

Fubar
Edgy East Village gay bar transplanted to WeHo offers a dark interior & high-energy crowds.
www.fubarla.com

Revolver Video Bar
Upbeat, events-packed gay bar featuring contemporary styling, go-go dancers & video mash-ups.
revolverweho.com

Club Tempo
Drag shows & live bands are attractions at this gay-friendly nightspot with a Latin cowboy theme.
www.clubtempocowboys.com

Bayou
Easygoing hangout with Mardi Gras decor serving pub fare with a Cajun twist, cocktails & beer.
www.thebayouweho.com

Trunks
Unassuming neighborhood gay bar with billiards, sports TV, patio seating & a laid-back vibe.
trunksbar.com

Photograph by Jacob Avanzato

California Legislation Would End Unnecessary Genital Surgery on Intersex Babies

February 22, 2022April 9, 2019 by David Mariner

From Equality Florida: Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) has introduced legislation to ensure intersex individuals—a term used often used by people born with variations in their sex characteristics, including genitalia—can provide informed consent before any medical treatments or interventions that could irreversibly affect their fertility or sexual function, will be pulled from the 2019 legislative session and pushed to 2020. After hearing testimony on the bill last Monday, the Committee decided to postpone the vote to see if consensus could be reached between the bill’s supporters and medical associations that had previously refused to negotiate with Senator Wiener.

Senate Bill 201 is an overdue measure which will give individuals the opportunity to delay medically unnecessary, potentially harmful, irreversible procedures until they have the ability to make an informed decision for themselves. SB 201, at its core, is about giving people born with variations in their sex characteristics autonomy over their own bodies and lives. When it comes to choosing deeply personal interventions for an individual when they may not be wanted, acting is risky, while waiting costs nothing. Delay gives individuals and their families the most options, including access to future medical advances once the patient can understand the risks and their own priorities. Senate Bill 201 would not have prohibited treatment or surgery when medically necessary; it simply prohibited medically unnecessary surgeries on babies that are purely elective and based on a desire to “normalize” a child’s genitals. Some of these surgeries include invasive procedures such as reducing a clitoris, creating a vagina, or removing healthy gonadal tissue. They can also lead to assigning a gender before an individual has the opportunity to express a gender for themselves.

Comprising approximately 1-2% of all people, those born with both variations in their sex characteristics, sometimes referred to as intersex traits, aren’t rare—they are just invisible. A subset of these variations are recognized at birth, while others may go unnoticed until later in life, if ever. Although a very small percentage of intersex infants may require immediate surgical intervention—for example some are born without the ability to pass urine—the vast majority are born with no health issues related to their genitals and are able to live rich, fulfilling lives without any modification.

“We’ve made significant strides in California to protect the right of sexual minorities to determine our lives and make decisions about our own bodies, but much work clearly remains to raise awareness and educate about this important civil rights issue, both in the Legislature and in the medical profession,” said Senator Wiener. “Progressive California should not be denying individuals the basic human right to decide what happens to their own bodies, yet that is exactly what is happening as surgeons and parents assign genders to babies without any actual input from that child. SB 201 stands for a very basic and common-sense notion: That individuals should choose for themselves if and when to undergo life-altering and gender-assigning surgeries that aren’t medically necessary. Our broad coalition of intersex advocates, medical professionals, LGBT advocacy organizations, parents, civil rights organizations, and affected individuals look forward to the day when this basic human right is respected and protected by law, and we will continue to fight to make this vision a reality.”

Beginning in the mid-twentieth century, physicians began modifying the genitals of infants they considered atypical. These treatments and interventions have included infant vaginoplasties, clitoral reductions, and removal of gonadal tissues, and may result in extreme scarring, chronic pain, incontinence, loss of sexual sensation, post-traumatic stress disorder, and incorrect gender assignment. While a number of doctors continue to perform these irreversible procedures in infancy based on the theory that they will help intersex people feel more “normal,” no research definitively proves that claim, or the assumption that conformity is more important than autonomy over their bodies. All major groups led by affected adults condemn the practice when performed without the consent of the individual involved.

Three former Surgeons General, who were appointed by Presidents of both parties, oppose medically unnecessary genital surgery on intersex babies stating, “When an individual is born with atypical genitalia that pose no physical risk, treatment should focus not on surgical intervention but on psychosocial and educational support… [I]ntersex persons routinely face forced medical surgeries that are conducted at a young age without free or informed consent. These interventions jeopardize their physical integrity and ability to live free.” Read their full report here.

“SB 201 has not only already raised tremendous intersex visibility in California and national media, it has given our entire community hope that compassionate and ethical care for children born with intersex traits is on the horizon,” said Kimberly Zieselman, Executive Director of interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth, an intersex woman herself affected by the surgeries.

“At its core, SB 201 is about the State of California respecting each and every person’s autonomy over their own body and their own gender identity,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “California has led the way in protecting the civil rights of LGBTQ people over the last 20 years, and the fundamental principle underlying those protections has been respect for an individual’s own sexual orientation, gender identity and autonomy over their body. The bill’s delay today means that thousands more Californians will be subjected to medically unnecessary and often irreversible procedures aimed at ‘normalizing’ their bodies—without their consent and before they have any sense of their gender Identity.”

“We are proud that SB 201 has brought awareness of this marginalized population of children to the legislature. California already prohibits certain other practices with high risks of irreversible harm from taking place during childhood. SB 201 is in line with this approach and will help ensure that care is centered on the needs of patients themselves, not the ‘normalization’ of their bodies,” said Becca Cramer-Mowder, Legislative Coordinator and Advocate for the ACLU of California.

Human Rights Watch, the World Health Organization, and every other human rights organization to consider the issue has condemned the continued performance of these procedures without individual consent. Dozens of United Nations entities have repeatedly condemned the practice of intersex infant genital surgery. SB 201 is supported by Human Rights Watch, Lambda Legal, GLAAD, Trevor Project, Transgender Law Center, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Physicians for Human Rights, GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality, and numerous other human rights, LGBT, and medical organizations. It was co-authored by Senators Jim Beall (D-San Jose) and Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton), and Assemblymembers Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), David Chiu (D-San Francisco), Todd Gloria (D-San Diego), Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), and Bill Quirk (D-Hayward). The bill was officially introduced on January 28. Full bill text can be found here.

SB 201 builds on Senator Wiener’s Senate Concurrent Resolution 110, passed in 2018, which called on the medical community to delay performing medically unnecessary sex-assignment and genital “normalization” procedures until an individual can provide informed consent. The resolution was the first of its kind in the nation, and called on the medical community to create clear guidelines to protect this population of vulnerable children. Unfortunately, the California medical community failed to act, and it became clear that SB 201 was needed to drive this next step. The bill was opposed by the California Medical Association, the American Association of Clinical Urologists, the American Urological Association, the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, the California Urological Association, the Pediatric Endocrine Society, and the Societies for Pediatric Urology.

LA Center Marks 50 Years of Queer

January 20, 2019 by David Mariner

The Los Angeles LGBT Center, which is the world’s largest LGBT organization, has announced 50 Years of Queer, the new campaign to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Throughout 2019 the Center’s signature events and other community-focused occasions will hallmark the organization’s half-century milestone.

“This is a historic moment for the Center and for the LGBT community,” said Center CEO Lorri L. Jean. “Fifty years ago, a small group of volunteers banded together and decided to change the world. Perhaps that’s not how they thought of it, but that’s what happened. What began as a vision for helping members of our community developed into what’s now the largest LGBT organization, with nearly 700 employees, thousands of volunteers and supporters, and many more thousands of people whose lives have been changed for the better. What better way to celebrate who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going than with a year-long set of opportunities for everyone to get involved!”

The year-long celebration will feature two landmark events that will serve as centerpieces of the anniversary festivities:

On April 7, the Center will open the two-acre Anita May Rosenstein Campus, a first-of-its-kind complex in Hollywood which will offer comprehensive multi-generational services and 100 beds for homeless youth, a new Senior Community Center and Youth Academy, and expanded programming and administrative space. Phase 2—scheduled to open in early 2020—will include 99 units of affordable housing for seniors and 25 supportive housing apartments for youth.

On September 21, a star-studded celebration and concert at the Greek Theatre will feature musical headliners and special guests, preceded by a sit-down gala dinner.

In celebration of 50 Years of Queer, events throughout the year will integrate important historical and cultural themes that highlight not only the history of the Center, but the LGBT movement at large. Among those events will be a special year-long Big Queer Convo panel series documenting the impact of LGBT people on the entertainment and news media over the last half-century, beginning on January 30 with The New Normal: Television and the Emergence of LGBT Identities. A host of other events will follow including: Simply diVine (April 27), the premier food and wine event for LGBT people and their allies at Hollywood Forever; L.A. Pride Parade (June 9) in which the Center’s march contingency will hold placards depicting LGBT individuals who posed for the 50 Years of Queer campaign; Trans Pride L.A., one of the oldest and largest trans celebrations in the country (June 14–15); OUT Under the Stars summer outdoor film screenings at Hollywood Forever (tentatively scheduled for June 21 and August 16); and the 27th Annual Models of Pride, the world’s largest free conference of its kind geared for LGBTQ youth and their allies (October).

Starting later this month, a special series of commemorative books will be released throughout the year, along with a digital 50 for 50 series, highlighting 50 moments from the Center’s history and inviting community members to share their stories. Don’t miss out on the details! For the latest news and updates about the 50 Years of Queer campaign and the exciting year-long events and activities, visit lalgbtcenter.org/50 and follow @lalgbtcenter on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Equality California Endorses LGBT Candidates Across State

March 16, 2019April 19, 2018 by David Mariner

Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, announced the endorsements of 10 openly LGBTQ candidates running for local office in 2018. The candidates are among a surge of out LGBTQ Californians seeking public office across the state — and a record number of LGBTQ candidates running throughout the country this year.

Equality California has endorsed the following candidates in their respective races:

San Francisco Board of Supervisors: District 8

Equality California has dual-endorsed Supervisor Jeff Sheehy and City College Trustee Rafael Mandelmanfor the Eighth District of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Jeff Sheehy, who was appointed by the late Mayor Ed Lee in January 2017 to fill Senator Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) vacant seat, is a longtime HIV/AIDS activist and LGBTQ civil rights advocate who previously served as president of the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club and as then-Mayor Gavin Newsom’s HIV/AIDS advisor.

“Supervisor Sheehy is a pioneer in our community’s fight for full equality and social justice and has been an incredible advocate for people living with HIV over decades,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “A self-described ‘activist,’ Sheehy is committed to making San Francisco more affordable and safer for all.”

Rafael Mandelman is an urban development attorney and member of the San Francisco City College Board of Trustees, previously serving as the Board’s president. A San Francisco native, Rafael has dedicated his career to building affordable housing and revitalizing commercial districts in the Bay Area.

“Rafael Mandelman is a tireless advocate for San Francisco’s LGBTQ community and a champion for the city’s students and for San Franciscans experiencing homelessness,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We’re proud to endorse Rafael and are confident he would bring bold ideas, energetic leadership and a fresh perspective to City Hall if elected.”

San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools

Equality California has dual-endorsed Gary Waddell and Nancy Magee for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools.

Gary Waddell, who currently serves as Deputy Superintendent of the Instructional Services Division, was previously an award-winning principal and school counselor. He has also received endorsements from California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, Congresswoman Jackie Speier and the California Teachers Association of San Mateo County, among other elected leaders and organizations.

“Dr. Gary Waddell is a champion for LGBTQ equality who has devoted his life to ensuring access and opportunity for all students and communities,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We are impressed by his vision of equity and inclusion and are excited to support his campaign for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools.”

Nancy Magee, who currently serves as the County’s Associate Superintendent for the Student Services Division, was previously an award-winning high school English teacher for 20 years before becoming a high school librarian. She has also received endorsements from San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Don Horsley, County Sheriff Carlos Bolanos and County Controller Juan Raigoza, along with a growing list of local elected leaders and educators.

“Nancy is a proven leader and LGBTQ civil rights advocate with a long track record of fighting to ensure all our children have a shot at success,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We are thrilled to support her campaign for San Mateo County Superintendent of schools and are confident she will work tirelessly to ensure that our schools are safe and supportive learning environments for LGBTQ youth.”

Davis City Council

Equality California has endorsed Linda Deos and Eric Gudz in their campaigns for the Davis City Council. There are nine candidates running for two open seats on the Council.

The daughter of a school teacher, Linda Deos is a consumer protection attorney who has taken on big banks and worked to establish the first help desk for underrepresented clients at the Sacramento Federal Court. Deos is the current President of the Northern California Bankruptcy Forum, Treasurer of the Yolo County Progressives and a member of both the Davis Democratic Club and the Yolo County Democratic Central Committee.

“Linda Deos is a dedicated, passionate community advocate dedicated to standing up for those who need a helping hand,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We’re excited to see Linda bring that passion with her to the City Council and continue fighting to ensure the voices of all Davis residents, including members of our LGBTQ community, are heard.”

Eric Gudz is an Eagle Scout and retired Army captain, who has led drug policy reform efforts in Davis in recent years. After returning from Afghanistan, Gudz worked with the Army’s Warrior Transition Unit, supporting the recovery process for other returning soldiers. Gudz currently serves on the City of Davis’s Bicycling, Transportation and Street Safety Commission.

“As an Eagle Scout, Army veteran and accomplished community leader, Eric Gudz has dedicated their life to serving others,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “We’re confident that Eric will continue fighting for Davis families, small businesses and our LGBTQ community on the City Council”

Rancho Mirage City Council

Equality California has endorsed Robert Mueller in his campaign for the Rancho Mirage City Council. Robert is one of three candidates challenging the three incumbents on the Council seeking reelection to their at-large seats. Mueller has spent five decades as a top executive with Sony, JVC Kenwood and Panasonic and has been a strong community advocate for LGBTQ civil rights and social justice.

“Robert Mueller will bring experience, drive and a fresh vision to Rancho Mirage’s City Hall,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “If elected, he’ll prioritize reducing crime, increasing government transparency and strengthening the city’s public schools — helping to ensure that every child in Rancho Mirage has access to a safe and supportive learning environment.”

Kern County Board of Supervisors, District 2

Equality California has endorsed Whitney Weddell for the Second District of the Kern County Board of Supervisors. Weddell has been a school teacher for nearly thirty years and a longtime community activist. She previously spent a decade building coalitions around the fight for marriage equality, traveling all over the Central Valley recruiting community organizers and volunteers.

“Whitney Weddell has a proven track record of thirty years of LGBTQ advocacy in Kern County, and we are convinced she will continue to lead as a Supervisor for the residents of the Second District,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “She cares deeply about improving the lives of Kern County families and will bring a fresh perspective to the Board of Supervisors.”

San Diego City Council, District 2

Equality California has endorsed Dr. Jen Campbell for the Second District of the San Diego City Council. Campbell is an active community leader, having served on the Clairemont Town Council Executive Board, in a number of capacities in the San Diego County Democratic Committee and California Democratic Party and as a Board Member and interim Executive Director of The San Diego Human Dignity Foundation, a local LGBTQ nonprofit. She is a physician and practiced family medicine for 37 years.

“We’re proud to support Dr. Jen’s campaign for San Diego City Council and know she will be an excellent advocate for our families and small businesses in the Second District,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “She will be a strong addition to LGBTQ San Diegans’ representation on the Council and will continue to fight for civil rights and social justice for our community.”

Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, District 4

Equality California has endorsed Jimmy Dutra for the Fourth District of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. Dutra currently serves on the City Council in Watsonville and as the Mayor Pro Tem. The first openly LGBTQ member of the City Council, he has worked to enhance city contracts and legal documentation to protect the LGBTQ community and has expanded support for the local shelter for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. Dutra also serves on the Board of the LGBT Caucus at the League of California Cities.

“Jimmy Dutra is a committed leader with a proven track record of getting results for his community,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “As County Supervisor, Jimmy will continue to be a strong advocate for progress toward a Santa Cruz County that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ residents.”